ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS?

If you know me in person, or have been reading my blog for several years, I doubt you'll be surprised by this post, LOL! 

I am so ready for Christmas this year and my excitement is on another level. Primarily because, my nephew is now aged 2 and will be more aware of the celebrations, which are bound to be a lot of fun and because, I had a tricky few months [which I, thankfully, survived] and feel that Christmas will be the time I'll have a moment to actually take it all in and rejoice. Praise be to God, always.

GIFTS
I love buying for others, however, this year, my budget was very small, so, I bought each loved one just one present [I often like to give two per person] and stuck with boutique stores on the high street which are purse friendly! I'm also terrible at wrapping so, I tried to be a tad more creative with it. I purchased affordable brown wrapping paper, recycled some rose gold ribbon and bought discounted present decorations. Albeit nothing remotely special, or unique, I feel proud of my extra effort and know that the recipients will be extra grateful.

Altogether the wrapping items cost £3.99!! There are many places you can find some gems without having to leave yourself completely broke! Try Amazon, Lidl, Flying Tiger [formerly known as Tiger and Tiger Tiger], Poundland, Savers and little, independent shops. Cheap doesn't always equal tat!! Shop wisely.

2019 TIP: You can save your November and December income for January 2020 if you buy your Christmas gifts between August and October! Nobody wants to start a new year broke!

HOME DECOR
I'm not usually one for decorations, however, sometimes, I do like to have a few basic mini Christmas ornaments around my home. I opted for a handful of items from Poundland and [my fave] B&M Stores which work a treat in my flat. I had a look in Primark too, but, their products didn't really do much for me and I found them to be a bit pricey for what they were. I don't do Christmas trees, but, if I did, I would opt for a black, or white, sparkly one with minimal decor added. Bunting and such is not for me - I find them a bit tacky.

B&M Stores

Poundland

Primark

B&M Stores

FUN THINGS TO DO
November 2017, the family and I went to Kew Gardens which was so amazing! I loved it and didn't think that I would being that I am no longer a fan of the cold weather, especially the biting temperatures we see in the U.K. The views were stunning; very beautiful and it was quite peaceful too despite it being fairly busy.

I also had a lovely time at Winter Wonderland. There was a lot to see and take part in. I'd suggest getting there at the opening time to fully immerse yourself in all that it has to offer for the day. It really is a spectacular experience, in my opinion, and I hope to visit again!

Anything fun, interactive, and that the whole family, or your group of friends, can join in with, is a great way to get into the festive spirit. From ice-skating, to a weekend ski trip, a themed outing, etc., make the most of the days leading up to Christmas if you can.

OUTFITS
When it comes to parties - from a gingerbread person, Mr or Mrs Claus, an elf, or a turkey - there are too many costumes I could suggest so, I'll leave you to research those for yourselves, ha-ha...

On the actual day itself, many of us tend to stay in our pyjamas, or lounge about in old, 'house' clothes and, in some cases, there are those who don't even bother to shower! Good grief!! I mean, if you're not into Christmas, fair enough [I totally get that], but, you should definitely bathe, lol, and, if you are into the festivities, rock an outfit reflective of that.

Why not wear something themed? You can coordinate with the seasonal colours, or the decor of your home. You could opt for a Christmas jumper, or a two piece and add a few classic jewellery items [keep them minimal though. You don't want to look like you've decided to rival the tree!]. Or, you can dress in a classic, simple yet stylish outfit that is both for the season and on trend? Maybe an old festive top will go well with your fave skirt, trousers, pinafore, or leggings. You don't need to buy something new and extravagant. Whatever you go for, it's all about having fun!

I think, for me, the most important thing is that I don't overspend. Christmas is about quality time and laughter with loved ones not the exchange of material possessions and leaving myself with empty pockets... 

Happy festive planning! x

Thanks for reading. 

PREVIOUS POST - You Versus You

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YOU VERSUS YOU

There are a number of untold situations that can have us feel utterly devastated. From break-up's to job loss, financial woes, or a life changing illness; it is never easy to navigate ourselves through testing times and find the light at the end of such a gloomy tunnel.

Many moons ago I was terrible at dealing with any intense, sudden changes in my life. I'd react badly and my behaviour would often hurt those around me. Nowadays, not only am I much stronger and far more capable [emotionally and mentally, despite my struggle with anxiety], I do very well, if I do say so myself, at getting back on track after something awful happens. While I can still get it wrong, I am now so much better at dealing with life's challenges quickly and effectively.

The following may not work for everyone, however, you've nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain by trying these steps whenever you're faced with a serious turn of events...

Take a step back from the situation
Give yourself the time and space to calm your thoughts [over thinking is never helpful] and to understand your emotional connection to the matter.

Assess things as though you are an outsider 

Being caught up in the 'drama' of it all can have us respond irrationally which is likely to make things worse. What, exactly, is the real issue and how, realistically, can it be solved?

Reflect on your most recent positive memory

We automatically smile and feel relaxed at the thought of an experience that we enjoyed - this vibe is always best when tackling difficulties.

Approach the issue with brutal honesty

Analyse your feelings and be real about why you're allowing them to stay with you... It may be an incredibly rough chapter, but, you are alive and should continue to write the many pages left to be filled in a way that has the story; your story, pan out beautifully.

Get another perspective

Speak with somebody you trust - explain things with transparency and include your part in it all. Perhaps this trusted individual will shed some light on what you haven't been able to see, or they may simply give you another view on how to deal with everything. Either way, you'll feel great once you've got it off your chest.

Be humble

You don't know everything, you never will and you're not right all of the time which is absolutely fine. Embrace the blessings of being a student for life and the numerous people in this world, some of whom, at times, will have the answers you cannot find on your own!

Try to learn and apply the lessons immediately
It's a well known fact that until we actively implement certain lessons we will continue to battle the same problems.

New strategies

Put new coping methods in place from the lessons learned so that you're less likely to fall [or stay down for too long] when you arrive at the next stumbling block.

Life is way too short to spend precious time on anything, or anyone, that doesn't encourage positive growth.

Thanks for reading.

PREVIOUS POST - I Won't Lie To You

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I WON'T LIE TO YOU...

Let me start by expressing my gratitude to each one of you who reached out to me to check that I'm okay and / or to ask whether or not I'm still blogging. Your interest and concern has meant so much more than I know how to put into words.

My initial reason for choosing to have a break from writing was due to having a new schedule. The combination of working 40 hours + over 5 days each week, setting aside time for myself, making sure I see my family and friends, keeping up with my hobbies, blogging and other pursuits literally had me living on empty and I just needed to put certain things on pause until my batteries were fully recharged. I'm sure there are so many of you who can relate.

I didn't think it would be several months before I blogged again, but, somewhere along the way I no longer felt inspired to write. The motivation was there [it's always there], I just wasn't finding anything inspiring enough to blog about.

Recently, I've had a number of experiences that, albeit shocking and completely out of the blue, have reignited the passion for blogging as well as my drive to just keep doing what I enjoy; the things that make me happy. I've also been blessed with some timely reminders:

1. REGARDLESS of the effort, time and love, you may contribute, you are replaceable. Hard pill to swallow, but, it's a fact! So, do and give to the best of your ability, but, never be fooled into thinking that anything is secure.

2. BEING a genuine, hearty soul will not protect you in a space where there is an air of paranoia, jealousy, ill vibes and a lack of trust. 

3. FRIENDSHIPS, no matter how seemingly close, are not guaranteed to last and as quickly as they may form is as quickly as they might come to an end [often down to ignorance and stubbornness].

4. SOME people are chained to the darkness of their past which can damage them in ways they remain oblivious to and, subsequently, they may hurt you. So, whether love is between you and another soul, or not, guard your heart. Try not to keep the walls up [you could miss out on so much joy] but, don't necessarily be driven by your emotions.

5. DEATH is inevitable, we cannot avoid it - we suffer loss and, one day, we will be the loss suffered. Or, let's be real, we hope we will be missed when we're gone. 

6. IMPERFECTION is not an excuse for wrongdoing. Hold your hands up whenever confronted with your shortcomings and be willing to check yourself with a view to better yourself.

7. NOBODY is responsible for any aspect of your life. Your life is entirely on you.

8. YOU CAN let go at any time!

I've been in a bit of a strange zone lately in the sense that I'm seeing a lot clearer these days yet at the same time I know I'm starting to feel less. How does that even add up? Far from being a closed book, or not giving a lolly about others anymore, I just cannot help the natural progression of change within me which I can only conclude has developed from the numerous twists and turns that have come my way without any warning, or survival guide, lol... I mean, I'm laughing but, it's the realest talk!

Anyway, all of the above shared, in what I consider to be a bit of written ramble, I want those who truly care to know that I'm doing alright and as time goes on, God willing, I'll do / be even better. My skin is a lot thicker, my resilience level has gone up a few notches, my positivity vibe is set on high and I remain very optimistic and hopeful about the future. That said, c'est la vie!

I hope things are great with you or, if not, they're about to be. God bless. x

Thanks for reading. 
PREVIOUS POST - Are You On The Right Path?

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